Everyone shakes their heads no.
“Why don’t we go to The Steamroom? I’ll cook dinner first.”
“Sounds like good times, I’ll even help with dinner.” Harper agrees.
“Declan, why don’t you invite the band to meet us there?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, let’s get it over with. I can’t avoid them forever. They’re a huge part of your life, and unless we plan on keeping two separate lives, I’m going to have to be around them.”
“God I love you. I’ll arrange it after breakfast.” he kisses my cheek and squeezes my hand. I know how much this means to him.
Even though everyone is talking over each other, I get a pretty good idea of how their summer has been. I talked to the girls and Robbie often, but the rest of the guys fill me in.
*****
Our dinner is a success. I personally thought I cooked enough for leftovers, but I forgot how much food five men can put away.
“Raven, I suggest you make double the amount of mac-n-cheese next time.”
“Gabe, I tripled the recipe! In general terms that should have been enough to feed twenty people. And we had meat and vegetables.”
“I’m just saying, in the future take my advice.” he argues.
I shake my head; it is good to be home.
Once the kitchen is cleaned, all the girls get ready for the night. Declan follows me to my room and shuts the door. My brother yells threats from the living room, but he doesn’t care.
“Sparkle, this means a lot to me. I know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but they are really sorry for what happened. I’ve been scared for weeks you wouldn’t forgive them.”
“Dec, I’ve already forgiven them. It was never about forgiveness. It was about feeling hurt. I would never ask you to choose between us, and if I don’t move past my feelings, it’s essentially asking you to choose. I’m not saying we’re gonna be best friends again, but we need to be civil and hopefully get back to a good place.”
He hugs me firmly and showers my head with kisses. I push him back out to the living room so I can finish getting ready.
By the time we get to The Steamroom, it’s packed. Although schools not back in session yet, there’s a huge college crowd for a Thursday night.
The band is entertaining but nothing like Sayge. Nostalgia fills me when I remember all the times I sat backstage last year. We find a large table in the back near the pool tables, and our waitress recognizes Declan immediately. She slides next to him and runs her hand down his arms trying to get his attention.
“Hey, Declan, remember me?”
He looks down at her and steps back. “Um, no, should I remember you?” He looks around for me frantically, but I slink behind Kendall to see how this plays out.
All five of us girls watch with grins on our faces.
“I’m Shelly, we met here last summer. I just started working and hoped I’d see you again. I hear your band is doing great.”
“Yeah, well thanks Sheila, the bands doing fine.” He’s still looking around for me.
“My name is Shelly, don’t you remember backstage?”
Ugh! Why of all places do I have to be reminded of all his Band Bunnies tonight? My thoughts of nostalgia are quickly diminishing.
“Listen, I hate to be rude but I’m here with my fiancée. I’m not interested in a stroll down memory lane with you.”
“Oh come on, meet me when I get off work tonight. I can help you remember.”
“Are you kidding me? That’s pathetic.” Kendall says loud enough for Shelly to hear.